JPH01299371A - Pinch valve - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To ensure easy assembly by causing an actuating member connected a body to approach/separate to/from a hollow elastic member integrally stored in an opening in a body, where inlet and outlet end members are opposed to each other, for valve opening/closing. CONSTITUTION: An elastic elastomer sleeve C passing through an inner hole 10 is integrally assembled in an opening in a center body B and opposed end members E for opening a passage 84 are fastened to both ends thereof with bolts/nuts 66, 68, 70, 72. In a cylinder rising upward of the body B, a closing member 96 for an actuating member D is arranged via O-rings 100, 124 in a slidable manner for normally contacting a closing cap 130 with a spring 104 to protrude a stem 142, with its end 98 not thrusting the elastic sleeve C and its inner hole being fully open. When fluid pressure is applied from an inlet 146, the actuating member D is moved down to thrust the elastic sleeve C at its end 98, and then its inner hole 10 is closed depending on the fluid pressure. An easy-to-assemble and highly reliable pinch A is this obtained.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION <Industrial Application Field> This application is currently filed as U.S. Patent No. 198
This is a partial continuation of serial number 177.971 filed on April 5, 1988, and a partial continuation of serial number 252 and 257 filed on September 30, 1988.

TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to fluid flow regulating devices, and more particularly to a new type of fluid valve. The invention has particular utility in valves of the type known as pinch valves used in the field of biotechnology. Pinch valves incorporate a resilient, tubular member that is selectively compressed along the exterior to close a central flow path, as will be described in more detail below.

However, it will become clear that the application of the invention is much broader and can be used advantageously in other fields and applications.

Handling biotechnology components requires an extremely clean environment and special safety measures to minimize damage to biological materials such as small chains. In particular, smooth and reliable mechanisms are needed to prevent biomaterial blockages, and flow lines need to be able to drain reliably. Due to the interaction forces with biomaterials in the fluid, only certain materials can be used in the valve structure.

Pinch valves typically incorporate a resilient or elastomeric sleeve that is compressed along its exterior to selectively open and close a central flow path formed through the sleeve. The lifespan of such elastic sleeves depends on the strength and wear characteristics of the elastomeric material. In particular, when the valve is closed, a tensile force is applied to the sleeve, and as the sleeve is repeatedly bent or deformed, it may stretch and become unusable.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,350,053, issued to Mr. Mumits on October 31, 1967, presents several problems unique to industrial pinch valves.

One of the solutions in that patent to the repeated deflection of the elastomeric sleeve is to make the diameter-to-length ratio of the valve body to the sleeve as small as possible. It is believed that reducing this ratio provides a compact structure that limits the stretch of the sleeve's elastic material.

Another way to extend the life of the sleeve is to limit the force that tends to pull the end flange of the sleeve toward the center of the valve. The solution presented by the Schmitz patent in this regard is to utilize a bulge molded into the sleeve between the end flanges. This method leaves the sleeve structure unstretched and slack, and the valve actuation member has a range of motion that takes up the slack molded into the sleeve. In this way, even if a pulling force occurs as a result of movement of the activation member into the closed position, the pulling force on the sleeve is reduced. However, while suitable for some fluid applications, forming a bulge within the sleeve may be considered undesirable in other applications. This is because there is a risk of biomaterials clogging and the laminar flow conditions are impaired due to changes in the structure of the flow path.

The useful life of the sleeve depends not only on the flexibility of the elastic sleeve, but also on the closing force applied thereto. There is a delicate relationship between effective closing force and excessive force that physically damages the elastomeric sleeve. It is believed that no suitable valve structure has been established to balance and control the closing force applied to the sleeve.

A further problem associated with this type of remotely operated valve is the lack of a means to indicate the open or closed position of the valve. It is important to immediately determine if fluid flow has been interrupted and upward flow operations should be performed for repairs, maintenance, etc. Conventional pinch valve structures cannot adequately handle such situations.

Still another concern is the problem of valve drainage caused by the type of actuation mechanism of the valve sleeve or by repeated deflection. Although the elastomeric materials used in the construction of the valve sleeve are flexible, continued flexing or deformation can cause the valve sleeve to stretch or become permanently deformed. Stretching or deformation may occur when the sleeve is closed by applying a peripheral force along the bottom of the sleeve, as is customary with conventional pinch valve structures. This prevents the valve from draining after it has been used for an extended period of time.

This is because the flow above the activation area of the sleeve does not drain freely along the bottom.

As previously mentioned, some pinch valve designs utilize end flanges to lock the valve sleeve within the body. Although the use of flanges has been commercially successful, it has made the sleeve construction difficult to maintain and replace. Until now, conventional structures have not been able to solve the problem of valve sleeve repair or replacement.

Because of the need for an extremely clean environment, parts that handle biomaterials need to be cleaned frequently and thoroughly.

For example, conventional valves were disinfected and cleaned by autoclaving, that is, by using superheated steam under pressure. All of the valve bodies are heated during the disinfection process, and this heat can adversely affect the operation of the valve.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to solve all of the above problems and other problems, and to provide a new and improved pinch valve mechanism that is easy to assemble and has a reliable construction. .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, an improved pinch valve structure is provided which is particularly suitable for the field of biotechnology.

According to a more restrictive aspect of the invention, the valve includes a rigid body having an opening within which a resilient sleeve is housed.

The resilient sleeve has a predetermined axial dimension in an uncompressed state that is less than a second axial dimension in a compressed state. First and second end members are attached to opposite ends of the body for retaining the sleeve during axial movement. This end member compresses the sleeve, thereby reducing the axial dimension of the sleeve.

According to another aspect of the invention, a casing member is snugly received within the valve body, and a resilient sleeve is snugly received within the casing member to facilitate maintenance and replacement of the sleeve.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the sleeve is provided with a reinforcing ring secured to the opposite end.

According to another aspect of the invention, means are provided to minimize torque transmission to the activation plunger.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, means may be provided for ventilating the valve body.

According to another aspect of the invention, the reinforcement ring is provided with a plurality of apertures to facilitate the flow of elastomer during the manufacture of the reinforced sleeve.

According to another aspect of the invention, the structure of the casing member is adapted to absorb lateral expansion of the resilient sleeve during closure.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, means are provided for limiting the application of excessive closing force.

<Example> Next, an example of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The drawings are for detailed explanation of the invention and are not intended to limit it (each drawing shows the central valve body B).
1 shows a pinch valve A having a resilient elastomeric sleeve C, an actuation mechanism, and an opposing end member E of the valve body.

Referring more particularly to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, the valve body is of rigid construction, preferably of stainless steel. A first axial bore extends through the body for receiving an elastomeric sleeve.

First and second counterbores 12 and 14 are provided at opposite ends of said bore for reasons that will become clear later.

Each counterbore, together with the bore, defines a generally radially extending shoulder 16.

The shoulder 16 is configured to extend axially inwardly as it extends radially outwardly from the bore to the sidewall of the respective counterbore.

Sleeve C includes a generally cylindrical central portion 22 having an outer circumferential dimension that fits snugly within bore 10 .

A radially extending enlarged flange 24,26 is formed at the opposite end of the sleeve. The flange increases in axial dimension as it extends radially outwardly from the central opening 28 of the sleeve. That is, the structure of the flanges is similar to the structure of the counterbore 12,14 in which the respective flanges are housed.

The end member E is supported on the opposite end of the central valve body B so as to fitably abut the first and second end walls 34,36 of the valve body. In particular, the flat walls 38, 40 abut respectively the end walls 34, 36 and the abutment receiver. A first groove 42 is formed in the end wall 34 for accommodating a seal 44, and a first groove 42 is formed in the end wall 34 for accommodating a seal such as an O-ring 48.
6 has a second groove 4G formed therein. As will become clearer later, the seal serves as a back-up seal between the central valve body and the end member. The construction of the end members is optimal so that descriptions of one end member also apply to the other end member unless otherwise indicated.

The enlarged portion 54 of the end member E is provided adjacent to the valve body, and fasteners such as bolt or nut type fastening members 66, 68, 70, 72 are provided with four approximately equally spaced portions adapted to receive the members. It has openings 56, 58, 60, 62. The anchoring members extend freely through the enlarged portion of the end member, three of which are:
That is, 66, 69, and 70 are arranged along the periphery of the valve body B. (FIG. 2) The fourth fixing member 72 extends through the bulge 80 of the central valve body. This ledge has an axially extending opening 82 concentric with the opening 62 in the end member when the valve is assembled.

This valve body and anchoring member configuration provides a single anchoring structure, as disclosed in detail in co-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 3,954,251 issued to Callahan, Jr. et al. Removal of the members provides the ability for the central valve body to pivot relative to the end members of the valve body.

In particular, when the fixing member 66 is removed, the valve body is attached to the fixing member 7.
2 can be rotated counterclockwise as shown by arrow F. This construction facilitates replacement of the seals 44, 48 and also provides access to the elastomeric sleeve C when replacement or maintenance is required. Through the exchange process,
Since the central valve body is held in an axial position relative to the end members, proper repositioning is possible by simply rotating the central body back to its original position as shown in FIG. The details are disclosed in the aforementioned patents and are not part of the present invention, so no further explanation is necessary here.

The end member is further provided with a passageway 84 through it forming either an inlet or an outlet for the central valve body.

Suitable connections between the passageway and the associated fluid flow system can be made by conventionally known tubing or fluid connectors. When assembling the valve, channel 84 and sleep opening 88 form a straight flow path of approximately constant diameter, thereby limiting shear flow of biomaterial in the liquid and promoting laminar flow.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a bore 86 extends through the central valve body and extends generally perpendicular to the bore 10. As shown in FIGS. A counterbore 88 extends coaxially from the bore 86 and forms a radial shoulder 90 therewith. The activation mechanism has a tip 9 whose diameter is reduced to a size that allows it to be snugly received by the bore 86.
8. Preferably, the tip 98 has a rounded end for engaging the cylindrical portion 22 of the sleeve, as will be explained in more detail below. This tip may be a wing-like structure, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, or a cylindrical structure, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B.

Of course, additional tip configurations having rounded ends may be used without departing from the scope and intent of the present invention.

A seal, such as an O-ring 100, connects the closure member and the counterbore 88.
It is housed within a peripheral groove 102 on the closure member to provide a seal between the two. According to an embodiment, the closure member is a spring 104
It is linked with deflection members such as. The spring has an annular groove 10
8 has a first or lower end 106 mounted therein.

The second or upper end 110 of the spring is mounted within an annular groove 120 of a closure member piston 122. Since the opposite ends of the springs are mounted within the grooves, the closure members remain aligned with the counterbore 88, and at rest the closure members are biased outwardly to the open position of the valve. O-ring 124
A sealing member such as is provided within the peripheral groove 126 of the piston for sealing engagement with the second enlarged counterbore 128. A closure cap 130 is screwed onto the upper end of the valve body and is sealingly engaged therewith by a further seal such as an O-ring 132.

In addition, the inner end of the closure cap has a reducing groove 134 extending outwardly from a stop shoulder 136 that limits outward deflection movement of the piston and closure member. Counterbore 8
A shoulder 138 formed between 8 and 128 forms a stop surface that limits inward movement of the piston.

An aperture 140 is formed within the groove 134 and receives a stem 142 extending outwardly from the upper surface of the piston through the aperture. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the stem is slidably and sealingly received through the aperture by a seal 144. In the embodiment of FIGS.

The closure cap is thus configured to allow fluid, such as compressed air, to selectively enter the groove 134 and advance the piston and closure member toward the elastomeric sleeve by overcoming the bias of the spring 104. An inlet 146 is also formed. The tip 98 is advanced against the cylindrical portion of the sleeve to pinch ("pinch") the sleeve into the closed position, as shown in FIG. 6B. Spring 104, which removes air pressure from inlet 146, can again bias the piston and closure member to the normally open position, thus returning the tip and sleeve to the position of FIG. 6A.

A transparent shroud 148 extends outwardly from the closure cap;
The outer end of stem 142 is received. In the open position of the valve, the stem is clearly visible through the shroud.

On the other hand, in the closed position of the valve, the stem is not visible through the shroud because the closure member has moved downwardly to collapse the elastomeric valve sleeve. This provides a clear visual indication of the open and closed position of the valve.

In the modified activation member embodiment of FIG. 5, the inlet 146 has been removed from the closure cap and the opening 140 has been enlarged to form an annular inlet passageway 150. Shroud 148 includes an opening 152 at its outer end for communication with an external fluid source (not shown) to allow fluid to flow to the upper surface of the piston. This configuration allows the shroud 148 to serve as both a valve opening/closing indicator and an inlet for a remote activation system. Additionally, this modified actuation mechanism allows one sliding seal;
In particular, the sealing body 144 can be omitted. In all other respects, the modified valve structure shown in FIG. 5 operates similarly to the previously described embodiments.

When used in extremely clean environments, such as the biotechnological applications mentioned above, it is important to eliminate all cracks in the fluid path to minimize the risk of particle clogging. In order to achieve this objective in the present invention, the fourth
Referring to the figures, the uncompressed shape of the elastomeric sleeve is shown in dashed lines and the assembled shape is shown in solid lines. As clearly shown, the axial dimension of the sleeve in the uncompressed state is somewhat larger than the axial dimension of the central valve body. Once the end member is assembled and sealingly engages the valve body,
The sleeve is axially compressed and offers many advantages.

In particular, the cross-sectional area of the sleeve opening 28 is reduced to approximate the cross-sectional area of the end member opening 84. In other words, axial compression of the sleeve causes the sleeve to expand radially to eliminate cracks between the body and the end member. In this way, an unobstructed, straight flow path is created by the assembled valve.

The primary seal between the end member and the valve body is achieved by axial compression of the sleeve. The seals 44, 48 are therefore secondary sealing means to prevent loss of fluid in the event of the elastic member tearing. These seals are not primary sealing means;
The radially outward expansion of the flange promotes a tight mechanical engagement of the sleeve and the valve body along the shoulder 16 of the first and second counterbores 12.14. This prevents stretching of the flange due to forces caused by advancing and retracting the closure member between open and closed positions.

A further advantage is realized by compression of the valve sleeve.

In conventional configurations, a predetermined bulge is formed in the center of the sleeve to absorb the tensile force applied to the sleeve by the pinch function. In the present application, the closure member 9 is compressed axially and by bringing the sleeve into a compressed state.
No tension is applied to the sleeve until well after the closing stroke of 6. That is, at the beginning of the closing stroke, the sleeve is converted from a compressed state to a neutral, ie, uncompressed state. As the valve sleeve is further compressed during the closing stroke, a tensile force is created on the valve sleeve, but this tensile force is not applied to the sleeve until much later in the closing stroke as compared to conventional designs. The overall valve design therefore has a lower tensile force and therefore a longer life. At the same time, the stretching force applied to the flange is also reduced.

As is also clear, the valve sleeve is not squeezed from the diametrically opposite side of the sleeve (but only from above, by the activation function.
It is important that no deformation occurs on the underside of the valve sleeve shown in FIGS. In the field of biotechnology, it is essential that flow paths are unobstructed and free of fluid blockages. Drainage is enhanced without actuation of the lower part of the valve sleeve.

7 and 8 show further modifications to the basic valve structure described above. For ease of illustration and explanation, new elements have been provided with new reference numerals, while identical parts have been designated with the same numerals. The main modifications are the valve sleeve C and the manner in which the valve sleeve is accommodated within the axial bore 10 of the valve body. More particularly, bore 10 is of essentially constant size and communicates with counterbore 160 at opposite ends thereof. In the embodiment shown in FIG.
The counterbore houses a seal 44.48 which provides a bank-up seal between the center valve body and the end member similar to that described above in connection with ring 44.48. Rather than providing a separate groove in a region radially spaced from the bore, the modified construction allows the counterbore 160, 162 to accommodate the seal and perform a similar preferred function.

The valve sleeve includes radially extending enlarged flanges 24,26 formed at opposite ends of the cylindrical central portion 22. However, in this embodiment, the flange extending radially outwardly from the central opening 28 of the sleeve has a substantially constant axial dimension. Lockable metal rings 164, 166 are provided within the sleeve flange to ensure a secure mechanical fit between the sleeve and the valve body. More specifically, the ring is joined to the elastomeric material of the valve sleeve by a suitable process. The ring serves multiple purposes.

Firstly, a perfect dimensional fit between the valve sleeve compressed by the ring and the end piece E is ensured. In other words, in the assembled valve, the cross-sectional dimensions of the sleeve opening 28 approximate the cross-sectional dimensions of the opening 84 in the end member, and the ring member reduces the tolerances therebetween.

Second, the metal ring provides sufficient stiffness to the flange so that the axial compression exerted on the sleeve by the end member forms a primary sealing surface between the sleeve and the end member.

Since the structure of the embodiment shown in FIG.
A second part is provided.

This casing member is generally cylindrical and has an outer circumferential dimension 172 that closely fits within the axial bore 10 of the valve body. Opposite ends of the casing member are formed with smoothly contoured grooves 174, 176 which are integrated with a generally constant diameter opening 178 which snugly receives the central portion of the valve sleeve.

Preferably, the casing member is made of a material that is more rigid than the material of the resilient valve sleeve. Suitable materials include plastic or metal, by way of example only.

The use of that material provides a sufficient back-up surface to the sleeve as it is compressed during valve assembly. The casing is also provided with a side wall opening 180 that accommodates the rounded end 98 of the closure member.

The two-piece cartridge mechanism formed by the valve sleeve and casing member 170 facilitates pinch valve replacement and maintenance. The substantially constant dimensions of the outer circumference 172 of the casing member allows the cartridge mechanism to
Can be slid axially within. The entire cartridge mechanism is replaceable as a unit, and there is no need for field manipulation of the enlarged radial flange of the valve sleeve, as is the case with the construction of the embodiment of FIG.

With further modifications, a fiber reinforced layer 1 is added to the outer diameter of the valve sleeve.
A support layer such as 86 may be provided. This support layer provides a body or shape similar to a resilient valve sleeve, providing a smooth sliding surface between the resilient properties of the elastomeric sleeve and the more rigid structure of the casing member 170.

Alternatively, one or more support layers may be provided if desired.

The closure cap 30 of the FIG. 7 embodiment is formed entirely of transparent plastic material to permit monitoring of the stem 142 of the actuation mechanism. This clearly indicates the closed position of the valve opening as described above.

In the manually operated valves of FIGS. 8 and 16, rotation of handle 190 advances and retracts activation stem 192 relative to closure cap 130. The device for advancing and retracting the activation stem operates by utilizing an externally threaded region 194 on the stem and an internally threaded opening 196 in the closure cap in a known manner. The lower end 198 of the actuation stem selectively engages the upper surface 200 of the piston 122 to advance the rounded end of the closure member into the closed, collapsed condition of the valve sleeve. In the air-activated embodiment shown in FIG.
The activation mechanism selectively reciprocates axially when fluid pressure is applied to the upper surface of the piston. Spring 104 returns the piston and activation mechanism to the normally open position. In order to extend the life of the valve, and in particular the life of the resilient sleeve, it is necessary in manually operated valves to minimize torque transmission between the selectively rotatable activation stem and the sleeve.

A means to minimize torque transmission is through a stem gimbal 202 formed at the lower end of the stem. The gimbal has a generally conical surface for point contact with the closure member 96. In this way, axial advancement of the closure member takes place by point contact without any rotational movement being transmitted from the activation stem to the closure member. Additionally, an actuation bearing 204 may be provided on the upper surface of the piston that mates with the stem gimbal.

Referring now to FIG. 9, the pinch valve illustrated here is structurally identical to the modified embodiment of FIG. Therefore, for clarity of explanation, identical parts will be designated with the same number and new parts will be designated with new numbers. Closure member 96 is also provided with a reducing tip having a rounded end. Unlike the wing-like structure of FIGS. 1 and 2 or the cylindrical structure of FIGS. 6 λ and 6 B, the rounded tip defines a generally horizontal semi-cylindrical surface 210. Figure 12 and 1
With further reference to Figure 3, surface 210 is illustrated.

This modified tip applies a closing force to a larger surface of the side wall of the resilient sleeve.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, this structure achieves efficient valve closure and extends the useful life of the resilient sleeve.

Another modification shown in the embodiment of FIG. 9 is for ventilation of the valve body. More particularly, the ventilation means is formed by a ventilation or exhaust port, which extends from the reducing end of the closure member to the sealing body 100.
can be eliminated.

This combined ventilation means ventilates the normally sealed area formed by the opening 86 and counterbore 88 around the valve body, in particular the elastic sleeve. This ventilation device communicates and ventilates the outer area of the elastic elastomeric sleeve with the surrounding environment.

Incorporating a ventilation system eliminates the air closing forces that occur during valve cleaning. Pinch valves are typically subjected to autoclaving, a process that utilizes pressured superheated steam. The temperature of the entire valve body increases during the disinfection process. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-8, the outer area of the elastic sleeve is sealed from the surrounding atmosphere. The pressure in the closure area therefore increases with increasing temperature, and this pressure exerts an air closure force on the elastic sleeve. The ventilation system described above eliminates this undesirable effect.

Another advantage with the ventilator is that if the elastic sleeve fails, leakage from the vent can be easily detected.

A sight pipe or tube 214 may be connected to the vent, as shown in phantom in FIG. If a leak occurs due to the sight pipe, it can be detected and measures can be taken to minimize the leak. When processing expensive biological batches, minimizing leakage can provide significant economic benefits and/or recover the remainder of the batch before it becomes contaminated. .

Of course, it will be appreciated that certain biofluids cannot be exposed to the outside world under any circumstances. Given these constraints, it is desirable to further eliminate air closure forces. One of the proposed solutions is to selectively vent the outer area of the elastic sleeve. Accordingly, a valve, generally designated 216, may be secured to the sight pipe to provide selective communication between the interior of the valve body and the surrounding atmosphere. - By way of example, the ventilation system, in particular the valve 216, can be selectively operated to open the circuit during sudden changes in temperature, such as during autoclave disinfection with steam, and to close the circuit during biobatch processing.

Referring again to FIG. 9, and with supplementary reference to FIGS. 1O-13, the horizontal semi-cylindrical tip 210 will now be described in more detail. Casing member 170 is modified to accommodate this tip structure. The opening in the side wall has a generally elongated or oval shape to freely receive the tip 210 therein.

The first or upper part 222 of the biuniform casing member maintains a smoothly chamfered outer periphery adapted to fit snugly within the bore 10. Similarly,
The internal structure also maintains almost the same smoothness so that it fits snugly into the elastic sleeve.

On the other hand, the second or lower part 22 of the casing member
The internal structure of 4 is modified to receive a "squeezed" or closed sleeve. Flat region 226 extends longitudinally and laterally along the inner surface of lower part 224. The flat area is wide enough to allow expansion of the collapsed sleeve. The longitudinal extension of the lower end region along substantially the entire casing member prevents sagging or wear of the elastic sleeve that could impair the drainage of the valve. The lateral extent of the flat region is attached to a central annular groove 276 of approximately constant dimensions.

The second or lower end 278 mates with a radially extending shoulder 280 on the closure member to force the closure member toward the resilient sleeve.

In operation, pressurized fluid is applied to the top surface of the piston passageway 150, as shown in the pneumatically operated pinch valve of FIG. The piston and the closing member are essentially one piece and move towards the resilient sleeve to close the valve. During the closing movement, the piston rests in the counterbore 128, but the closing member does not rest in the groove 276 of the piston. In other words, in the closed position of the valve, the bias of spring 264 holds the sleeve in the closed position. In this way, the spring force can be selected to limit the destructive forces on the resilient sleeve that can occur if the closing force is entirely dependent on the pneumatic actuation system.

The manually operated embodiment of FIG. 16 operates in exactly the same manner. Almost identical pistons, closure members and free movement joints can be used. Therefore, it is easy to manufacture. A hair ring 204 is used in place of the indicator tube stem 142 and the actuation stem 192 operatively engages the piston via a bearing.

Effects of the Invention The main advantage of the present invention is that it improves the operation of the valve sleeve.

Yet another advantage is that its construction provides a significantly cleaner valve.

Yet another advantage is that the valve sleeve is easy to replace or maintain.

A further advantage is that the valve body can be selectively ventilated.

Although the present invention has been described based on examples, it will be obvious that modifications and changes can be made upon reading this specification. It is intended that the invention cover all such modifications or alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or their equivalents.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a pinch valve according to the invention. FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken approximately along line 2--2 in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a valve sleeve according to the invention. FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the compressed state and uncompressed state of the elastomeric sleeve including the valve body. FIG. 5 is a modified structural diagram of the fluid motion activation member. Figure 6A shows the valve sleeve and activation member in the open position of the valve. 6B shows the activation member and sleeve in the closed position of the valve. FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the modified pinch valve structure. FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a manually operated embodiment of a pinch valve modified from the structure of FIG. FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of another modified pinch valve structure. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the modified casing member. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the underside of one component of the casing member shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 12 shows the pinch valve in the open position using the modified casing member of FIGS. 10 and 11. FIG. FIG. 13 is the same as FIG. 12 but shows the pinch valve in the closed position. FIG. 14 is a plan view of a modified reinforcing ring for use with a pinch valve sleeve. FIG. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view of another modified pinch valve. FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view of a modified pinch valve substantially identical to FIG. 15 using a manual operating mechanism. Symbol A in the figure...Pinch valve B...Central body C...Elastic elastomer sleeve D...
・Starting mechanism 10...Inner hole 12...First end bore 14...Second counterbore 16...
...Shoulder 22...Cylindrical center part
24...Flange 26...Flange
28...Central opening 30...Closing cap 34...First end wall 36...
・Second end wall 38...Flat wall 40...
・・・Flat wall 42・・・First groove 4
4...Sealed body 46...Second
Groove 48...O-ring 54...
・Enlarged portion 56...Opening 58...
...Opening 60...Opening 62...
...Opening 66...Tightening member 68.
...Tighten with member 70...Tighten with member
72...Tightening is done by member 80...Protrusion 82...Opening 84...Route 86...Inner hole 88... ... Counterbore 90 ... Show J Leda 96 ...
... Closing member 98 ... Tip 100
...0 ring 102 ... peripheral groove 104 ... spring 106 ...
・Lower end 108... Annular groove 110...
... Upper end 120 ... Annular groove 122.
... Piston 124 ... 0 ring
128... Counterbore 132... 0 ring 134... Groove 136... Shoulder 140... Opening 142...
Stem 144...Sealing body 146...
...Entrance 148...Shroud 1
50... Entrance route 152... Opening 160.162... Counterbore 164.166... Reinforcement ring 170...
...Casing body 172...Outer circumference dimension 174
... Groove 176 ... Groove 1
78... Opening 180... Side wall opening 190... Handle 192...
... Starting stem 194 ... External threaded white area 196 ... Internal threaded opening 198 ... Lower end 200 ...
Top surface 202...Gimbal 210...
... Semi-cylindrical surface 212 ... Ventilation port 214
... Peep pipe 216 ... Valve
220...Oval opening 222...Casing lower part 224...Casing upper part 226...Flat surface 228...
Central region 230... Hole 250...
・・・Force limiting device 252 ・・・From movement joint
254... Stem portion 256... Slot 258... Key 263... Spring 266... Retainer 274...
...Spring top end 276...Annular groove 278
・・・・・・Lower end of spring 280・・・・Engraving of shoulder drawing (no change in content) FIG, 3 FIG, 4 FIG, 6A FIG, 6BL
Ink FIG, 8 2 Adventure FIG, I6

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A body provided with an opening communicating with an inlet formed in a first end member and an outlet formed in a second end member, wherein the two end members are opposite to each other in the body. a body disposed on the side; and an elastic member tightly housed within the opening,
The elastic member has first and second end members, first and second ends that abut against the suspension receiver, and an inner hole that extends through the elastic member and communicates with the inlet and the outlet. and having a first axial dimension in an uncompressed state that is larger than a second axial dimension in a compressed state.
an elastic member having an axial dimension of; means for interconnecting the first and second end members and axially compressing the elastic member to the second axial dimension; and an actuation member connected to the elastic member, which reciprocates selectively toward and away from the elastic member to open and close the valve. 2. The body includes a pinch opening provided substantially perpendicular to the opening of the body, and the body further includes an activation chamber having a guide extending coaxially from the pinch opening, the dimensions of the guide being as described above. 2. The valve of claim 1 sized to receive a stem of a pinch member to support linear movement of the actuation chamber. 3. The valve of claim 2 further comprising a seal inserted between the stem of the pinch member and the guide. 4. The valve of claim 1, wherein said activation member has a smooth, rounded end for engaging said resilient member. 5. The valve of claim 4, wherein said activation member includes an integrally formed piston remote from said rounded end, said piston being snugly received within said activation chamber. 6. The valve of claim 4, wherein said activation member includes an indicator stem at an end opposite said rounded end, the indicator stem extending outwardly from said body when the valve is in the open position. 7. The valve of claim 6, further comprising means for biasing said activation member toward the open position of the valve. 8. The elastic member according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member has first and second enlarged flanges at the first and second ends, the flanges having a tapered structure whose axial dimension increases as the flanges extend radially outwardly. valve. 9. The valve of claim 1, wherein said activation member is a cylindrical structure having a rounded spherical end. 10. The valve of claim 1, wherein said activation member is a wing-like structure with smooth, rounded ends. 11. The valve of claim 1, wherein said activation member has a generally semi-cylindrical end. 12. The valve of claim 1 further comprising means for ventilating said body in an area surrounding said resilient member. 13. The valve of claim 12, wherein said ventilation means comprises a valve for selectively ventilating said body. 14. The valve of claim 1, wherein said resilient member has first and second enlarged flanges at said first and second ends, respectively, and a locking ring is disposed within each of said flanges. 15. Claim 1, wherein the fixing ring is provided with a plurality of holes passing through it to facilitate connection with the flange.
4. The valve according to 4. 16. a body provided with an extending inner hole; an elastic member housed in the inner hole and having a passage formed therethrough that is selectively opened and closed; and a body provided around the elastic member; and a casing member having a hole extending through a side wall and having an outer diameter dimension such that the hole is snugly received within the hole; an activation member snugly received within said bore for opening and closing. 17. The valve of claim 16, wherein said resilient member includes a radially extending flange at an opposite end, said flange including a locking ring coupled thereto. 18. The valve of claim 16, wherein said resilient member includes a reinforcing layer along its periphery. 19. The elastic member is connected to the first and second portions in the assembled valve.
17. The valve of claim 16, having a first axial dimension in an uncompressed state that is greater than a second axial dimension in a compressed state defined between the end members of the valve. 20. The valve of claim 16, wherein said activation member includes a closure member and an activation stem and means for minimizing torque transmission from said activation stem to said closure member. 21. The valve of claim 20, wherein said minimizing means comprises a generally conical surface formed on one of said closure member and activation stem. 22. The valve of claim 16 further comprising means for ventilating the body in a peripheral area of the resilient member. 23. The valve of claim 22, wherein said ventilation means comprises a valve for selectively ventilating the body. 24. The valve of claim 16, wherein said casing member includes a flattened area along an inner surface for absorbing lateral expansion of said resilient member during closure of the valve. 25. a body provided with an extending inner hole; an elastic member housed in the inner hole and having a path formed therethrough that is selectively opened and closed; a closure member retracted and selectively abutting the resilient member to open and close the passage; means for selectively advancing or retracting the closure member to or from the resilient member; and a means for selectively advancing or retracting the closure member to or from the resilient member; means for limiting the force applied to the valve. 26. The valve of claim 25, wherein said force limiting means comprises a motion joint between said closure member and said advancement/retraction means. 27. The valve of claim 26, wherein said free movement joint comprises a slot and key interconnecting said closure member and said advancement/retraction means. 28. Claim 2, wherein said force limiting means further comprises means for biasing said closure device relative to said advancement/retraction means.
5. The valve according to 5. 29. Claim 29, wherein the advancing/retracting means comprises a piston in operative contact with the closing means via a free movement joint, whereby the closing member is movable through a predetermined range of movement relative to the piston. 26. The valve according to item 25. 30. The valve of claim 29, wherein the piston is biased by a first spring into one of the open or closed positions. 31. The valve of claim 30, wherein the free-motion joint includes a second spring inserted between the piston and the closure member. 32. The valve of claim 31, wherein said free movement joint comprises key and slot interconnection means. 33. The valve of claim 29, wherein said advancement/retraction means comprises an actuation handle for manual operation.